"Unfazed by Heavy Snow"... Seocho-gu Launches Resident-Led 'Snow Removal Support Team Section Responsibility System' Operation

Snow in Front of My House Cleared by Me, Plus Incentives

Seocho-gu, Seoul (Mayor Jeon Seong-su) announced on the 2nd that it will operate a resident-participation snow removal policy called the ‘Snow Removal Support Group Section Responsibility System’ to foster a resident-led snow removal culture.

On the 27th of last month during the heavy snowfall, Jeon Seong-su, the Seocho District Mayor, conducted snow removal work near Naegok-dong Community Service Center together with the Seocho Public-Private Emergency Recovery Team. Provided by Seocho District.

This winter is expected to see large temperature fluctuations and heavier snowfall than usual due to abnormal high temperatures and severe cold waves. On the 28th of last month, a heavy snowfall occurred for the first time in 117 years, causing various safety accidents, which has further emphasized the importance of snow removal as a preventive measure.

Based on the ordinance enacted by Seoul City in 2006, titled ‘Clearing Snow in Front of My House and My Store,’ the district encourages voluntary snow clearing. However, there are clear limitations as participation in snow removal work is not mandatory.

Accordingly, the district plans to form a Snow Removal Support Group composed of long-term residents who are familiar with local conditions and have close ties with the community, to create an atmosphere of voluntary snow removal participation and actively encourage residents to engage in snow removal activities.

Each member of the Snow Removal Support Group will be assigned a responsibility section covering 10 to 20 buildings. When snowfall is forecasted, they will use emergency contact networks such as social networking services (SNS) to actively encourage residents within their responsibility section to clear snow in advance.

In cases of heavy snowfall or expected icing, they will carry out snow removal work together. Support group members will receive a modest allowance. When snowfall is light, the local community center’s own personnel and equipment will be utilized to the fullest extent for snow removal.

Additionally, the district is exploring various ideas to provide special incentives to encourage more residents to participate in the ‘Clearing Snow in Front of My House’ campaign. Residents who participate in snow removal and receive certification can choose one of the following incentives: priority application opportunities for popular resident autonomy programs run by the Resident Autonomy Committee, a 2-hour exemption from civil defense training for civil defense members, or bonus points when applying for priority resident parking space allocation.

The district is also considering a plan to credit 50 Seocho Coins. Seocho Coin is a blockchain-based virtual asset operated by Seocho-gu, with 1 coin valued at 100 KRW. Seocho Coins can be used like cash at affiliated stores within Seocho-gu.

The district will first conduct a pilot operation this winter with 69 Snow Removal Support Group members in Bangbae 4-dong. By the end of this year, the district plans to analyze and improve the pilot results and expand the program to the remaining 17 neighborhoods next year.

Through systematic operation and regular training of the Snow Removal Support Group, the district aims to establish a sustainable virtuous cycle and spread and settle the ‘Clearing Snow in Front of My House and My Store’ campaign among all residents.

Mayor Jeon Seong-su said, “During the recent heavy snowfall, as we worked tirelessly to clear snow throughout every corner of Seocho-gu for residents’ safety, I realized how desperately one helping hand is needed.” He added, “We will do our best to ensure residents have a safe and warm winter by early establishing the ‘Resident Snow Removal Support Group Section Responsibility System’ this winter.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.